J League Cup 2025: Giant-killing happened

On March 20th, the club visited Kokura to face the division 3 club, Giravanz Kitakyushu. In the opponent, two former Fagiano men, Kiyama and Taniguchi started the game. On the other hands, some fresh players were  listed on the starting line-up. An experienced centre back, Yanagi was one of these. The red-uniformed men were expected to keep a clean sheet.


Five minutes after the kickoff, Iwabuchi hit the target, but it was saved by Taniguchi. In the 19th minute, the visitors conceded an opener. Later, the red-uniformed men struggled to equalize the game. In the 35th minute, Kamiya's attepmt was off target. The second half remained the same. In the 46th minute, Kato's strike was off target. In the 63th minute, Esaka and Lucas came off the bench to change the game. However, the club were not able to smash the net. As a result, the club's journey in this composition ended in the first round.